Christians in Name Only

(#212, Yermo/Hinkley/Big Bear, 1948; Radio, June 1953; Imperial, 1957)

Read Matthew 7:21-23.

There are still a majority of affirmative answers to the question, "Are you a Christian?".  The name "Christian" is used with varying significance. It may mean...

    1.  A civilized person as opposed to a savage.

    2.  A person who is humane or decent.

    3.  A person who attempts to follow the Golden Rule.

    4.  A person born in a Christian home and reared in "church".

These are self-styled Christians and God's Word gives us no assurance that these are in fact Christians at all.  These know nothing of a present, living Savior -- a real person.  They know nothing of the power of Christ.  They are "Christians in name only."

Our text speaks of a group of religious people with false hopes.  They said "Lord, Lord", they prophesied, they cast out demons, they did wonders.  They went a long way in religion.

ƒ    Six things that will not make us a Christian.

    1.  A lovely character, Rom. 6:23.

    2.  An intellectual grasp of Christianity, 1 Cor. 2:14.

    3.  An active part in Christian work, Eph. 2:8-9.

    4.  Church membership, John 3:3.

    5.  Morality, Rom. 3:10.

    6.  Trying to follow Jesus' example, John 1:12.

ƒ    Mere profession is not enough, Matt. 7:21-22.  "Not everyone that saith ... many shall say."

ƒ    Christ is the only hope, Matt. 7:21.  Christ is the only One Who can save (Acts 4:12; 1 Cor. 3:11; John 1:12).

ƒ    The ultimate result of mere professors, Matt. 7:22-23.  At the judgment day Christ will say, "I never knew you ... depart from me."  This is eternal spiritual death. 

Is yours a mere profession?  Are you a Christian without Christ?  Accept Him today.